Ducks

Most of the 27 species of ducks which frequent Kansas are produced in states and the Canadian provinces to the north. Although 14 species of ducks are known to have nested in Kansas, the major portion of the resident breeding population, estimated at about 20,000 pairs, is composed of wood ducks, blue-winged teal and mallards.

From 1984 through 2003 the total number of ducks reported during the 14 surveys conducted annually (two per month, September through March) on major waterfowl areas in Kansas varied from a high of 3,959,000 in 1998 to a low of 1,194,000 in 1991, and averaged approximately 2,081,000 annually. Generally speaking, duck numbers and harvest declined from levels experienced during the 1970’s, when an all time high of 10,015,000 ducks were reported during waterfowl surveys in 1972, and the average number observed each year (1970-79) was 5,820,000. This decline in Kansas duck numbers is largely due to loss of breeding habitat in Canada and states north of Kansas, aging of our reservoirs, and changing agricultural practices in our state.

The five most common ducks observed during the 14 annual surveys in Kansas include the mallard, northern pintail, green-winged teal, gadwall and blue-winged teal. Kansas is about half way down the Central Flyway’s eastern tier of states, an area crossed by some of the major migration routes of ducks. Of the five most common ducks, blue-winged teal are the first to arrive, peaking in September and early October. The next major influx of migrants occurs in late October and early November. Northern pintail begin a major buildup in late October, with green-winged teal and gadwall arriving and peaking during the first half of November. Mallards are the last of the top five to arrive, peaking in late December. The mallard is king in our state, with numbers observed commonly reaching 300,000 during the second half of December.

Although the migration chronology of Kansas ducks varies considerably from year to year, depending on weather, there is usually a gradual increase in duck numbers beginning in late August and peaking during December or early January. While data summarized on a statewide basis may show a gradual buildup of ducks, the numbers observed on a particular wetland may have migration characteristics quite different from the “state average”. A common misconception is that there is a gradual movement of ducks, north to south, during the fall and early winter periods. However, a shallow marsh near the Oklahoma border may have peak numbers in late October while a reservoir near the Nebraska border may not see maximum numbers until late December. Within Kansas, the type of habitat has a greater influence on the timing and species composition of the duck migration than does the location.

Over the long term, the fall and winter populations of ducks in Kansas should roughly correlate with the breeding population index for these species. However, numbers observed are influenced by habitat conditions in our state. Even in years of high flyway populations, poor habitat conditions in Kansas will lower fall populations and harvest in Kansas. Conversely, in years of low flyway populations, good habitat conditions in Kansas will raise Kansas fall populations and harvest.

Mallards - photo Mike Blair

During the past six years (1999-2004), Kansas duck hunters averaged approximately 119,000 duck hunting days, and harvested about 228,000 ducks annually. The highest Kansas duck harvest reported occurred in 1971, when an estimated 430,000 ducks were taken. In recent years, mallards have comprised about 50 percent of the total harvest, followed by gadwall at about 14 percent, and green-winged teal at 12 percent.

The future of ducks, unlike geese, is troubling. The long term degradation and loss of wetlands and native prairie on their breeding grounds is a serious problem that is difficult to address. The combination of the agricultural Conservation Reserve Program and record breaking rainfall allowed breeding numbers to rebound during the 1990’s to levels similar to those observed during 1970’s. However, discontinuance of the Conservation Reserve Program, or a return to normal rainfall levels on the breeding grounds, will have severe negative impacts on duck production and fall flights. Federal and state agencies, along with a number of private organizations are working to maintain quality breeding habitat, but the task is difficult and far from being accomplished.

Youth Waterfowl Seasons: In each of the duck zones, two days are set aside for youth waterfowl hunting (ducks and dark geese). Hunters 15 and younger may hunt under the supervision of an adult 18 or older. The adult may NOT hunt.

3) With the use or aid of electronically amplified or recorded bird calls, or imitations of bird calls or sounds.

4) From a sink box (a low floating device, having a depression affording the hunter means of concealment beneath the surface of the water).

5) From or by means of any motor boat or sail boat unless the motor has been completely shut off and/or the sail furled, and its progress from there has ceased.

6) By the use or aid of live decoys. All tame, captive ducks and geese must be removed 10 days before hunting.

7) By driving, rallying, or chasing birds with any motorized conveyance or any sail boat to put them in range of the hunters.

Wanton Waste

By regulation, hunters must attempt to find any game crippled or killed. Retrieved animals must be kept until: 1) cleaned, 2) eaten, 3) taken home, 4) taken to a taxidermist or processor, or 5) given to another person.

Possession of Live Birds

Wounded waterfowl reduced to possession shall be immediately killed and included in the daily bag.

Transporting Harvested Waterfowl

One fully-feathered wing and /or head must remain attached to waterfowl when transported.

Shipment

No person shall ship migratory game birds unless the package is marked on the outside with: 1) the name and address of the person sending the birds, 2) the name and address of the person to whom the birds are being sent, and 3) the number of birds, by species, contained in the package.

Giving or Receiving Waterfowl

No person may receive, possess, or give to another, any freshly killed migratory game birds as a gift, except at the personal abodes of the donor or donee, unless such birds have a tag attached, signed by the hunter who took the birds, stating the hunter’s address, the total number and species of birds, and the date such birds were taken.

Tagging Requirements

No person shall put or leave any migratory game birds at any place (other than at his personal abode), or in the custody of another person for picking, cleaning, processing, shipping, transportation, or storage (including temporary storage), or for the purpose of having taxidermy services performed, unless such birds have a tag attached, signed by the hunter, stating his address, the total number and species of birds, and the date such birds were killed. Migratory game birds being transported in any vehicle as the personal baggage of the possessor are not considered as being in storage or temporary storage.

Electronic or Mechanically Operated Decoys

The use of electronic or mechanically operated decoys that do not produce bird sounds is legal.

- They may not place, expose, deposit, distribute or scatter salt, grain or other feed that could lure waterfowl to, on or over the area where they are hunting.

- They may not hunt a baited area until 10 days after all bait or feed has been completely removed.

- Hunters are responsible for ensuring that the area they plan on hunting has not been baited before they start hunting.

- Hunters may hunt all migratory game birds over natural vegetation that has been mowed or manipulated in other ways, or where seeds or grains have been scattered solely as a result of a normal agricultural planting or normal soil stabilization practice.

Duck regulations include species and sex specific restrictions. The ability of hunters to identify and select desired targets before shooting is important in managing the harvest and allowing maximum hunting opportunity without jeopardizing the future of our waterfowl resource. For help with duck identification go to -- http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/tools/waterfwl/waterfwl.htm

POPULATION AND HARVEST DATA

A number of population and harvest surveys are conducted annually that are utilized in the development of waterfowl management programs and regulations. To view data for Kansas and the Central Flyway, go to http://www.flyways.us/

REPORTING BANDS

Information obtained from band recoveries reported by hunters and other individuals is, along with harvest and population data, critical to the management of our waterfowl resources. Information derived from banding includes the distribution of the harvest from a particular banding area, the timing of the harvest and most importantly, the harvest rate. This information is utilized annually in the development of harvest frameworks and final regulations. To report a band call 1/800/327/2263 or go to http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl/homepage/call800.htm

THE FLYWAY PROCESS OF DEVELOPING REGULATIONS

Since most ducks are migratory birds crossing state and national boundaries, regulations and management practices that affect their population numbers must extend beyond our state and include other agencies. Establishing waterfowl regulations is an annual process that can be roughly divided into two areas. The first involves the activities of the states and provinces, working through their respective Flyway Councils in conjunction with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to develop season frameworks. “Frameworks” set the limit on maximum season length and bag limit, shooting hours, and the earliest opening and latest closing dates of the season for a particular species. This process of developing frameworks begins in December and doesn’t end until August.

Once the frameworks are established by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which has the ultimate authority for the welfare of our migratory bird resources, the states begin the second part of the annual regulatory process. This second phase involves developing and adopting season dates, bag limits and shooting hours specific to their jurisdiction. A state can always be more restrictive than allowed by the frameworks, but it cannot be more liberal. The primary consideration when developing frameworks is the long-term welfare of the species or resource. Although this consideration is still present when states develop their specific hunting regulations, greater emphasis is placed on providing the greatest amount of hunter opportunity and satisfaction within the limits of the frameworks.

The basis for a rangewide approach to duck management was provided by Fredrick Lincoln, who initiated the first large-scale banding in the United States in 1922. As Lincoln received bands from his ducks, he became convinced that waterfowl management would have to be tailored to the different migration routes. In 1935, he suggested that four flyways be established across the United States and that management regulations be tuned to the situations that prevailed in those flyways. Adoption of his proposal was slow, and it was not until 1948 that the Flyway system was implemented.

Kansas is located within the Central Flyway, which is composed of ten states including Montana and North Dakota to the north, extending south through Texas and New Mexico. Only that area of the West Tier states east of the Continental Divide is currently included within the Central Flyway boundaries. Although the basic responsibility for the management of waterfowl rests with the Federal Government, the states must be involved. In order to transcend state borders, the ten Central Flyway states have joined administratively and formed the Central Flyway Council. The directors of the state fish and game agencies of the flyway states, or their designated representatives, constitute the official voting members of the Council. Delegates from the Canadian provinces participate in Council activities, but do not vote on regulatory recommendations. The Council provides an excellent forum for communication and understanding the problems throughout the flyway and attacking these problems in a cooperative, scientific way. Much of the information needed for the management of ducks is continuously being obtained through banding, survey, and research efforts, planned and conducted by the Flyway Council and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

All waterfowl hunters 16 and older must have a federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, and all hunters who are required to obtain a hunting license must also have a Kansas State Waterfowl Stamp and a Kansas Harvest Information Program (HIP) stamp before hunting ducks, geese, or mergansers. (Those not required to have a Kansas hunting license include people hunting their own land, and residents 15 and younger)

Waterfowl Stamps and Licence - All Waterfowl stamps and licenses can be bought at any licensed Agent , Pratt Operations Office , or online, EXCEPT for the Federal Waterfowl Stamp which is bought at a US Post Office. All Waterfowl stamps are good through season.

Kansas HIP Stamp: $2.50

State Waterfowl Stamp: $7

Federal Waterfowl Stamp: $16.50 - Purchased at any KDWP office or at any US Post Office.

If hunting Sandhill Crane, in addition to a hunting license ( if required), a federal sandhill crane hunting permit issued through and validated by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is required to hunt cranes. Crane permits obtained in other states are not valid in Kansas. The validated permit ($7.50 validation fee) is available at any licensed agent , online , Pratt Operations Office , or Regional office .

All Kansas sandhill crane hunters must pass the "Test for Sandhill Crane Hunters" before obtaining a sandhill crane hunting permit.

"Online Test for Sandhill Crane Hunters." Click this link to take an online test that provides information about identifying whooping cranes, sandhill cranes, and look-alike species, as well as the hunter’s ability to choose safe shots. The test is both entertaining and informative and only takes a few minutes.

Light geese- 2,000. The large numbers of snow geese have left the area.

Mallard Migration Index (5)

Water level

2.2' below conservation pool and steady.

Hunting conditions

No more ice.

Expected hunting success

Fair.

Comments

Check Area News for updates.

Light goose conservation order open February 16 - April 30, 2015.

Both Cawker City and Granite Creek Refuge closure dates are November 1st - January 31st. The refuges are open to the public until that time.

The Youth/ Mentor hunting area is now located in the Granite Creek Refuge and is in effect from October 1 - January 31. Waterfowl hunting from the shoreline area is allowed in the Youth-Mentor Area as long as EACH adult is hunting with a youth 17 years or younger. Boats of any sort are prohibited in the Granite Creek Refuge.

Zebra Mussels have been confirmed in Waconda Lake. Be sure to dry boats and equipment before moving to other waters.

Current Rating - 3 The rank is subjective and is from (0= No Mallards, 1=Very few Mallards, 5=Moderate numbers, 10= Peak numbers).

Water levels

All marshes are OPEN.

Gamekeeper marsh is one foot low. Managers have started drawing marshes down for the growing season. Gun Club Marsh average depth is around 12 - 18 inches, Buffalo Creek North marsh is around eight inches. Marsh Creek Marsh is gaining some water and Buffalo Creek South Marsh is increasing with an average depth of 16 inches.

Hunting conditions

Light Geese are utilizing the area for roosting and loafing throughout the day. They are feeding on local ag fields. THE LPEZ DUCK SEASON IS CLOSED

The light goose conservation order opened 2/16/2015

REFUGE IS OPEN FOR HUNTING

Expected hunting success

Poor. With the warm weather, the light geese numbers are fluctuating greatly from day to day. Light goose numbers are decreasing.

Light geese numbers fluctuate day to day and are feeding on local ag fields throughout the area. REMINDER - Hunters must have permission to hunt or shoot on ALL private land. This includes properties that are enrolled in WIHA that closed on Jan. 31.

Comments

THE REFUGE IS NOW OPEN

- BOATING WILL BE DIFFICULT IN GAMEKEEPER MARSH SINCE IT IS OVER ONE FOOT LOW. EVEN HUNTERS WITH MUD MOTORS WILL HAVE DIFFICULTY NAVIGATING IN THIS MARSH

KDWPT IS IMPLEMENTING AN ELECTRONIC PERMIT SYSTEM FOR THE 2014-2015 HUNTING SEASONS

2,000 ducks including divers and puddle ducks. 700 canada geese, a few white-fronts. 300 light geese are here today (3/16) feeding on private cropland north and east of the reservoir in Kansas and mostly into Nebraska. Most waterfowl loafing in the middle of the reservoir.

Mallard Migration Ranking

Mallard Migration ranking = 2

Water level

Reservoir is at conservation pool. Inflows (29 cfs) to Lovewell from the Courtland Canal have resumed due to releases from Harlan County Reservoir in Nebraska and natural river flow.

Hunting condition

Reservoir is open today, ( 3/16). Waterfowl roosting/loafing in the middle of the reservoir just southwest of Cedar Point. Private cropland fields open (no snow cover).Most county roads are dry. Reservoir levels are slowly increasing and there is a lot of concealing vegetation close to the water. Earlier, exposed mudflats have been covered as well as flooding growing vegetation. Not much moist soil food on the reservoir.

Expected hunting success

Poor. Low Plains Late Zone Duck and Dark Goose CLOSED. Light Goose Conservation Order OPEN through April 30,2015. Poor for geese on the reservoir but if hunters can find loafing/feeding birds it could be better. Will update as conditions change and until we see how many more birds arrive and stay. Most waterfowl feeding on private cropland in Nebraska. The snow line is the U.S Canada border.

Comments

ALL BOAT RAMPS OPEN. Boat ramps in the State Park, (Cedar Point, the Marina and Cabin Area) ,PARK PERMIT REQUIRED.Boat Ramps in the Wildlife Area, (Pawnee Point, Oak Hill and White Rock Creek) do not require a permit.The LAND REFUGE CLOSED OCTOBER 1. WATER REFUGE IN EFFECT NOVEMBER 1, 2014 THROUGH JANUARY 31,2015. Camping cabins are available in Lovewell State Park. Make reservations HERE

HUNTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO :

MAINTAIN SAFE DISTANCES BETWEEN HUNTING PARTIES

BE COURTEOUS OF OTHER HUNTERS

KNOW THEIR TARGET AND WHAT LIES BEYOND IT

HUNTERS USING BOATS MUST EXERCISE EXTRA CARE WHEN BOATING IN COLD WATER AND NEED TO BE FAMILIAR WITH KANSAS BOATING REGULATIONS

OBTAIN PERMISSION BEFORE HUNTING PRIVATE LAND. IF WRITTEN PERMISSION IS REQUIRED ALL HUNTERS IN THE PARTY MUST POSSESS WRITTEN PERMISSION.

FOLLOWING SAFE AND ETHICAL PRACTICES WILL ENSURE THAT EVERYONE HUNTING PUBLIC LANDS ENJOYS A HIGH QUALITY EXPERIENCE.

FREE DAILY HUNT PERMITS REQUIRED FOR ALL HUNTING ON THE AREA. ELECTRONIC PERMITS NOW AVAILABLE. REGISTER AT THE i-SPORTSMAN LINK ON THE KDWPT WEBSITE. Lovewell Wildlife Area has been requiring all hunters to register with our paper card, Hunter Survey System and this is still required but a new system called i-Sportsman is now in effect that allows hunters to check-in and check-out electronically with a PC, smartphone, any mobile device and even a rotary dial phone. Hunters are encouraged to pre-register for an account on-line and must do so from a PC, establish a password and PIN. This will really speed up the process over the card system. Follow this link to get registered. https://kdwpt.isportsman.net/ PAPER PERMITS AVAILABLE AT THE INFORMATION CENTERS. If using the card system, the top portion of the two-part permit must be filled out and returned to the survey station prior to hunting and the bottom portion kept with the hunter to record hunting activity. After the hunt the bottom portion is also returned to the survey station where the permits will be collected and information recorded to assist managers with improving the area. THEREFUGE IS CLOSED FROM NOVEMBER 1 TO JANUARY 31 on the NORTHEAST half of the reservoir and Wildlife Area from 1/8th mile west of the south end of the dam and following a buoy line northwest to the western boundary of the Cabin Area. No hunting from the park shoreline. Please introduce youth and novice hunters to the outdoors. Pass it on!

Water levels are once again down from last year. Some vegetation had time to establish on the shoreline towards the west end so hunters will have a few more places to hide this fall. Nearly 300 geese have been banded and released on the property.

Comments

Norton Reservoir is in the HIGH PLAINS DUCK ZONE

Blinds may be used and must be constructed of natural herbaceous materials or woody debris that are present on the site. Blinds constructed of non-natural materials must be removed from the property each day. Please do not bring materials from off-site.

No flooded vegetation with low water level. Exposed shorelines & mudflates will attract some early migrants. The area from the southeast corner of the reservoir west to 9 Road is designated as "No Motorized Boats" and is intended for use by walk-in hunters. Exposed mudflats will provide loafing areas.

October 1 through March 31 the area can only be accessed with a special permit obtained through a drawing. The application and drawing will take place online only in 2014. Look for "Special Hunts" on our home page under "HUNTING".

Pumps are not working in the west complex of wetlands but there is some water

Hunting conditions

Decent water level and good habitat.

Expected hunting success

Fair to good. Shoot a few ducks on the reopener

Comments

Having pump problems on western wetlands. Will not be able to pump this complex.

The Corps of Engineers has a construction crew at Benedictine Bottoms constructing two new chutes off of the Missouri River. The construction will be ongoing and will last throughout the season. During this time there will be areas that will be closed to public access. As the construction progresses we will keep you updated. This construction should not effect waterfowl hunting except for the increase in vehicle traffic.

October 1 through March 31 the area can only be accessed with a special permit obtained through a drawing. The application and drawing will take place online only in 2014. Look for "Special Hunts" on our home page under "HUNTING".

The wildlife area will be limited again. Coblentz wetlands are dry. Elk creek wetlands have some water in pool 2 (enough for 2 hunting parties), and very small pools of water in pools 3.

The reservoir has to be at least at conservation pool, or the wildlife area is limited on pumping.

Expected hunting success

Fair on the reservoir and poor on the wildlife area.

Comments

IMPORTANT! Clinton Wildlife Area will be utilizing an electronic check-in system beginning September 1st. To register, please go to https://kdwpt.isportsman.net. This will be mandatory for everyone hunting the wildlife area, not just waterfowl hunters.

Please remember that trapping is also allowed on the Wildlife Area.

The Refuge area will be closed to ALL activities from October 1st - January 15th.

Species identified during our most recent waterfowl survey (1/9/15) included mallard, hooded merganser, gadwall common goldeneye, and Canada geese. Please remember the WATERFOWL REFUGE WILL REMAIN CLOSED TO HUNTING THROUGH THE LATE WATERFOWL SEASON

Water Level

Antioch Wetland - Over half full. Greater than 40 acre-feet pumped.

Browns Wetland, Upper Unit - Approximately half full with plenty of millet and smartweed inundated. Pumped >30 acre-feet into the unit.

Browns Wetland, Lower Unit - Sufficient for hunting.

Youth-Mentor Wetland - Low. We were unable to pump this unit in 2014; however, rainfall has maintained a pool that may hold some waterfowl.

Roughly 1200 geese and 10000 ducks were seen on the survey this week with a majority of the main lake and wetlands iced up. Good numbers of birds have been seen around the area this week on open water.

Waterfowl counts given on this report are based on what was observed on the day the report is updated. Waterfowl numbers vary greatly from day to day and weather conditions and hunting pressure will affect the numbers of waterfowl on the area.

Lake level

1143.12 conservation Pool 1144.4 The dam is releasing 200 CFS.

Hunting conditions

Good due to high numbers of migrants around the area and warm temperatures opening up water. Water levels and vegetation are good to excellent.

No activites/hunting allowed in the Steve Lloyd Wetland/Refuge.

Motorized boats are only allowed in Mall Creek wetland, electric motors are considered "motorized". All other public hunting wetlands are open to NON motorized boats and walk in hunting.

Lower Smith Bottom and the Gatesville boat ramp have been reopened since the 2013 fall hunting and fishing season.

The lower refuge dike has been repaired and both the upper and lower refuge pools are holding good amounts of water which should help to attract waterfowl to the area.

Expected hunting success

Hunter survey report:

Vegetation and water levels are adequate. High water has filled most Mall Creek and Sugar Bowl wetlands.

Comments

Do NOT drive on dikes. Vehicles disrupt and discourage waterfowl from using the wetland areas. We have had several dikes being damaged due to unauthorized vehicles driving on them. Scouting is best done on foot to evaluate bird numbers and habitat conditions.

Please report any vehicles on dikes and anyone seen disturbing our pumps. Without the pumps in optimal condition we are unable to pump the wetlands to their greatest potential.

Remember- a free permit is required to hunt waterfowl in the wetland areas on Milford Wildlife Area. These are available at all of the marsh parking areas, or hunters can register and check in using the new I-sportsman system from any rotary phone or internet device. The information collected and comments received are very useful in establishing future management goals for the area.

Marshes and Delaware River are frozen. A survey was conducted on 01/13/15 and around 2,000 ducks were observed with 90% being Mallards. About 7,000 Canada Geese and 10,000 Snow Geese were observed.

Mallard Migration Rank = 8 (0 = no mallards 10 = peak migration)

Lake level

2.12 feet above conservation pool.

Habitat conditions

All wetland complexes have developed some of the best vegetation seen at Perry in the last several years. All marsh complexes are dependent on natural runoff to fill the complex except West River North & South and Kyle East.

We are currently in the process of working with Ducks Unlimited to apply for a grant to build a Marsh Pump to pump NorthWest and Reichart marshes. We have put some money together from local donors to aid in this project. If you are interested in helping with this project call the Wildlife Area office at (785) 945-6615.

Reminder: Gas powered boats are only allowed on the River, Lake, Sunset Ridge, Kyle East and West and Rucker wetland pools. Electric powered boats are allowed in all marsh pools.

Kyle: Kyle Marsh East was drained this spring but did not dry all the way out. Quality vegetation growth is primarily in the east pool. East- HCR-9 with the marsh being 60% water. Only natural vegetation grew in the East Unit. Kyle West - HCR-5 with invertebrates being the main food source and due to a recent high water event this unit is nearly 100% full.

Launching boats in Kyle will be possible now with water levels at near full.

West River: An abundance of moist soil plants are growing and areas of mud flats were sown to Jap Millet and Buckwheat. North- HCR-6 with 50% water. South- HCR-9 with 75% water.

Upper Ferguson: The vegetation is in excellent quality. HCR-8 with 50% water.

Lassister: West Lassiter pool was drained this spring and worked for corn planting however do to untimely rains no corn was planted. However, the vegetation response was great. East- HCR-7 with 40% water, will fill if we get enough rain. West- HCR-7 with 25% water

Northwest: Recent work to remove trees from inside Northwest marsh has been done and boards have been removed from water control structures to continue renovations. Work is in progress to remove the East water control structure and soon the remaining water will be removed from this wetland. Installation of a new structure will follow.

Headquarters: Headquarters started full this spring and over the summer naturally dried up. Quality vegetation growth has been good. HCR-8 with 10% water

Mitigation: Mitigation marsh was held this summer. Vegetation growth has been good. HCR-7 with 25% water

Hayward: Hayward has been drained all summer but retained moisture with intermittent rains. The vegetation growth has been excellent this summer. HCR-9 with 100% water

Reichert: Reichart pools were held at reatively low levels but retained water most of the summer. The vegetation growth has been exceptional. HCR-9 with 25% water.

Zebra Mussels have been confirmed in the lake. Be sure to dry boats and equipment before moving to other waters.

The lake is currently 1 foot above conservation pool. The Black Vermillion and Olsburg marshes both have huntable water.

Hunting conditions

Vegetation around the edges of the lake and favorable water levels should provide good hunting opportunities on the main lake. Vegetation in the marshes is thick, scouting prior to your hunt is encouraged.

Expected hunting success

Fair

Comments

A permit/survey is required to hunt the Black Vermillion and Olsburg marshes and can be found at the parking lots adjacent to each marsh. Please complete this survey. The data collected from this permit/survey supplies the Manager with valuable comments and harvest information to better manage the area.

1. Scroll down the left side of the page to the blue "register" button.

2. Provide hunter information.

ONCE REGISTERED, HUNTERS WILL BE ABLE TO CALL OR LOG ONTO THE SYSTEM SEPTEMBER 1 AND GET THEIR PERMIT FOR THE DOVE OPENER. THEY CAN ALSO VISIT THE CHEYENNE BOTTOMS WILDLIFE AREA PAGE ON iSPORTSMAN AT https://kdwpt.isportsman.net/Locations/Cheyenne_Bottoms.aspx

PAPER PERMITS WILL STILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE INFORMATION CENTERS, HOWEVER, WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO USE THE iSPORTSMAN ELECTRONIC CHECK-IN SYSTEM AS IT WILL BE USED EXCLUSEIVELY IN FOLLOWING YEARS.

Pool 1 is full. Pool 2 is full. Pools 4, 6, and 8 are full. There is water north and west of pool 6. Pool 9 is full. Pool 3B is full. Pool 7 has some water with heavy vegetation. The remaining pools are nearly dry.

Hunting conditions

Expected hunting success

Duck season is closed until 12/20/14

Comments

Permit or Electronic Check-In required (Free) - available in all parking lots. Remember that only non-toxic shot is allowed for all shotgun hunting at Texas Lake Wildlife Area.

Duck numbers are fluctuating around 200-400. 200 Canadian geese are using the lake. All still water is iced up approaching 1 inch thickness.

Water level

Kingman State Fishing Lake is about 12 inches low due to work being done to the dam and dry weather. All the main marshes north and west of the lake are full. Two of the three marshes south of highway 54 have some water however they are not full and have limited space for ducks to land.

Hunting conditions

The lake and marshes are open. WARNING-New rip rap has been added to the Kingman State Lake dam and until the metal has been removed, it poses a hazard to hunters, fishermen, and their dogs. Marshes have excellent food plants available once they get flooded.

Expected hunting success

Fair

Comments

The hunting permits required for the past several years have been eliminated. Hunters do not need a daily permit to hunt.

Difficult. Lake ice free. Declining lake levels have pulled water away from cover edges. Hunters may find it challenging to conceal themselves. A thin fringe of food producing vegetation exists along some lake edges, but will not be available to feeding waterfowl without precipitation and increases in lake levels.

Expected hunting success

Poor.

Comments

Duck and dark goose seasons are CLOSED. Light Goose Conservation Order open through April 30.

890 hunters harvested 1,890 teal for a 2.12 teal / hunter average. This ranks as the second best teal season harvest on record at MPWL.

MPWL is transitioning to a new daily permit system called Isportsman. Hunters will need to register prior to hunting at MPWL. Hunters will login (or call) each day prior to hunting to get a daily permit, and report back harvest similar to the paper daily permits. Please visit https://kdwpt.isportsman.net/ to register prior to hunting season.

The Little Sinkhole/Farland Lake marsh unit is included in the EARLY low-plains duck zone (as is the rest of MPWL).

MPWL is transitioning to a new daily permit system called Isportsman. Hunters will need to register via PC prior to hunting at MPWL. Hunters will be able to login from PC, smartphone, or call in from a cell phone or landline phone each day prior to hunting to get a daily permit, and report back harvest similar to the paper daily permits. Please visit https://kdwpt.isportsman.net/ to register prior to hunting season.

Newsletter:

We are currently producing a McPherson Valley Wetlands electronic newsletter that will be distributed bi-annually. The newsletter will highlight season results, upcoming projects, forecasted fall flights, and other information that hunters / users should be aware of if they plan to visit the area. If you are interested in recieving this newsletter please Click here.

Other:

For refuge locations, please see the link McPherson Wetlands brochure and map on the McPherson Wetlands web page for these changes or contact the area office for more information at (620)-241-7669.

All shotgun hunters at McPherson Wetlands are required to use non-toxic shot for all hunting. This includes upland birds.

Keep in mind, during and after rain events, area roads become very greasy. Please use caution and good judgement before entering these roadways. IF ROADS ARE WET, PLEASE DO NOT TRAVEL ON THEM! It is very difficult and very expensive to get wrecker assistance once stuck.

There are approximately 125 waterfowl using the area. Mostly mallards and a few pintails.

Mallard
Migration Rank

Current rank:10

This rank is subjective and ranges from 0 (no mallards) to 10 (peak numbers)

Water level

Good. All pools have water in them.

Hunting conditions

Good

Expected hunting success

Fair/Good

Comments

SCWL is transitioning to a new daily permit system called Isportsman. Hunters will need to register prior to hunting at SCWL. Hunters will login (or call) each day prior to hunting to get a daily permit, and report back harvest similar to the paper daily permits. Please visit https://kdwpt.isportsman.net/ to register prior to hunting season.

Approximately 185 Mallard, 200 Goldeneye, 1050 Gadwall, 300 Shoveler, 85 American Wigeon, and 100 Pintail are using the reservoir at this time. There are also close to 100 Canada geese, and 200 light geese.

Mallard Migration Rating

Current Rating=2 The rank is subjective and is from (0= No Mallards, 1=Very few Mallards, 5=Moderate numbers, 10= Peak numbers).

Water level

Lake level is currently 1348.90 (Conservation pool is 1350.50)

Hunting conditions

Fair. Lake levels are just below conservation pool and the North end of the reservoir, French Creek cove, and all of the smaller coves have vegetation along the shoreline for cover. Since the reservoir has maintained high water levels since the summer of 2013, there was very little moist soil production this year to provide food for waterfowl. Approximately 50% of the reservoir is covered with ice at this time.

Expected hunting success

Fair.

Comments

Remember the Reservoir now has ZEBRA MUSSELS. Make sure to Clean, Drain and Dry your equipment. Clean all visible vegetation and mud from decoys, bags, waders, etc. Drain water from decoy bags and boats. Allow equipment to Dry for a five day period before using it at another area, OR wash with high-pressure hot water. Many of the roads around the reservoir can get very greasy after rain, or melting snow, please use good judgement about which roads you try to travel on.

For updated waterfowl numbers and weather conditions call (620) 331-6820. Individuals utilizing the wildlife area need to be aware of the refuge boundaries. Maps can be obtained at the Fisheries &amp; Wildlife office (below the dam) or at the State Park (on the lake side).

Reservoir is starting to open up rather well. COE Dam Boat ramp is currently open. Otter Creek earthen ramp is still useable, with patchy ice aprox. 1/4" thick. Thicker Ice is on the south side of lake and mouth of Otter Creek.

Expected hunting success

Poor

Comments

For information on Flint Hills National Wildlife Area and the marshes on the upper end of the lake please contact FHNWR @ 620-392-5553.

NOTICE: Much of the wildlife area is closed to snow goose hunting due to mowed grain. These sites are considered to be "baited" until 10 days after grain is consumed. Map of closures is posted in check-in kiosk.

Snow goose hunters must register before hunting and report harvest after the hunt (KAR 115-8-1). Notice: You must fill out reports completely and accurately. False reports will be prosecuted. Isportsman electronic registration is not available for Marais des Cygnes this season.

Outboard motors are restricted on this wildlife area and are allowed in Unit G and in the boat lane only in Unit A-East. Outboards are not allowed in any other wetland units. Electric trolling motors are unrestricted. Boats must be operated at wakeless speed. Boats must have sufficient PFDs for occupants.

Waterfowl report is updated only if there are significant changes in waterfowl numbers or hunting conditions.

Approximately 10,000 ducks (9,000 dabblers, primarily mallards and 1,000 divers, primarily goldeneyes) and 11,000 geese. All of the birds observed were located on open water located on the east end of the lake in very deep water. The lake is approximately 85% iced over.

Water level

Lake level 1034.42; Conservation pool = 1036.

Hunting conditions

All wetlands are iced over, warmer forecast weather should begin opening holes in the wetlands by the weekend. PLEASE BE CAREFUL ON OR NEAR ICE!!

All hunters utilizing Melvern Wildlife Area are required to obtain a free daily hunt permit through the new electronic permit system. Hunters can register now to begin using the electronic system at https://kdwpt.isportsman.net/ For more information (click here). Waterfowl hunters utilizing the main lake are only required to obtain a permit when hunting west of Hoch Rd. Paper permits will also be available through the 2014 hunting season.

Youth waterfowl season is October . Regular waterfowl season opens November 1, 2014.

+/- 20,000 ducks, beginning to see some species variation. Snow goose numbers are fluctuating daily

Mallard Migration Rank

MMR=5

0= No Mallards, 1= Very Few Mallards, 5= Moderate Numbers, 10= Peak

Water level

Drawdown efforts have continued. Pools will be completely dewatered by the end of next week.

Hunting conditions

Expected hunting success

For the 2014-2015 Regular season 2732 hunters harvested 4422 ducks for a 1.6 BPH average. The season seemed a little slow with the weather patterns and one mass migration that we encountered. However, this is still a very respectable BPH average for public hunting. We still have around 90 hunters that have not logged out of isportsman so please check your account and make sure you have checked out. Please remember the isportsman electronic check in and out system will be live starting this spring and no paper cards will be available. Thanks so much for your cooperation and support in transitioning into this new system!!!

Comments

2014-15 South East Zone season dates are Nov. 8-9 and Nov. 15-Jan 25.

If the red check out sign is out at check station all hunters are required to stop. Thanks

Neosho WA is transitioning to a new daily permit system called isportsman. Hunters will need to register via PC prior to hunting at Neosho WA. Hunters will be able to login via PC, smartphone, or call in from cell phone or landline phone each day prior to hunitng to get a daily permit, and report back similar to the paper daily permits. Please visit https://kdwpt.isportsman.net/ to register prior to hunting season.

Please remember to fill out the permit with accurate information. THIS INFORMATION IS VERY IMPORTANT TO THE CURRENT AND FUTURE MANAGEMENT OF THE AREA. FILL OUT ONLY YOUR INDIVIDUAL HARVEST EFFORTS, i.e., NOT A GROUP HARVEST TOTAL.

Waterfowl hunting in Pool 8 is restricted to youth hunters and their mentor on weekends and holidays.